Gene Chizik arrived (with Auburn’s apparently recently returned and still kissable national championship trophy quite casually in tow) to a hero’s welcome in Robertsdale, Alabama Thursday evening, the guest of honor at a Tiger Trek event hosted by the Baldwin County and Mobile Auburn Clubs.
And he can now add “town owner” to his growing resume.
Before speaking to the crowd of more than 1,000 gathered at the Robertsdale Coliseum, the Auburn coach was given the key to the city by Robertsdale Mayor pro tem Joe Kitchens, a lifelong Auburn fan, who also declared (by official proclamation) May 12 — so wish it was a week later — “Gene Chizik Day” in the City of Robertsdale.
“Chiz was a class act all night and it was great to see how happy Dad was,” said Kitchens’ son David. “We got to hear [Chizik] speak about this upcoming year and being ‘All In’ no matter what the circumstance, blocking out the haters and keeping your eye on the prize. He said no matter what team hits the field at Auburn, championships are the goal and if we don’t win championships, that’s not good enough.”
Chizik spent the rest of the evening signing autographs and posing for pictures. He wasn’t in the black leather jacket. But he was in a black polo. And he left in a black Escalade escorted by state troopers. Like a (city-owning) boss.
Photo via @mama_kitchens
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